Most people don’t get their first car until the turn 16, but Tuesday, Lincoln doctors gave a special child a 4x4 at just 16 months old.

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Updated: 10:29 PM CST Jan 11, 2017

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WEBVTT INVOLVEMENT.OUTSIDE TRUMP TOWER, ABC NEWS.>> ONE CHILD GOT A SPECIAL CAR AT 16 MONTHS.HE GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS NEW JEEP, EXPER CUSTOM BUILT IN THIS TRICKED OUT RIDE.A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IMPACTSTHE USE OF HIS LEGS.IT CAN BE CONTROLLED BY HAND OR REMOTE.HIS PARENTS SAY THEY'RE BLESSED TO SEE THEIR CHILD SOHAPPY..

Engineers craft custom motorized car for disabled child

Most people don’t get their first car until the turn 16, but Tuesday, Lincoln doctors gave a special child a 4x4 at just 16 months old.

Most people don’t get their first car until they turn 16, but Tuesday, Lincoln doctors gave a special child a 4x4 at just 16 months old.

Carter Brown got behind the wheel of a brand new Power Wheels Jeep, specially modified just for him. The child suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth, impacting his development. The Brown family first visited Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital for outpatient rehabilitation, where doctors first suggested building the toy. After getting the family’s go-ahead, engineers modified the bright green Wrangler, installing a special seat, motorized steering and remote controls for Carter’s parents to use.

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“Learning how to move is great for cognitive development,” noted Carter’s mother, Katy. “Madonna has always tried to find ways to give him the best foot forward.”

The hospital experts received some outside help on the project, with University of Nebraska-Lincoln senior Heidi Kratzer sharing her expertise. The electrical engineering student says she’s amazed to see her hard work put to such a great purpose.

“It’s so neat to see something that I actually did and I got to help with be something with an actual impact,” Kratzer said. “To see something like this where he’s actually enjoying it and getting to meet his parents is really rewarding.”

For everyone there, the greatest reward was seeing the tiny Jeep spring to life, powered by Carter’s control on the steering wheel. Every grin and giggle, brought joy to the young boy’s family.

“Carter’s smile has been what has healed my heart,” said Katy. “Seeing that was just an amazing experience for me.”

For more information about the mission of the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital,